Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas had been drifting apart for years before divorce filing

On Friday, Melanie Griffith filed for divorce from Antonio Banderas, but did not put down an official date for the start of their separate lives. However, sources now say that they had been drifting apart for years and that it comes as no surprise.

As previously reported, Griffith cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split and asked for child support for their daughter, Stella, 18. A source close to Griffith told People that no one should have been should be surprised by the news.

“The split is not something new and out of the blue, they have had issues for years,” the source said. “The fights and separations got to be too much.”

The source notes that Banderas’ globe-trotting life put a strain on the relationship, but they talked on the phone numerous times a day to make the long-distance relationship work.

Meanwhile, another source told Us Weekly that neither of them cheated on the other. It was just that they “fell out of love awhile ago.” Another insider said that they stayed together for the sake of Stella and their other children.

“We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost 20-year marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family, and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together,” the couple said in a joint statement on Friday.

Banderas and Griffith married in 1996. This will be Griffith’s fourth divorce and Banderas’ second.